Flags to be lowered in Honor of State Superintendent of Schools Brian Whiston

LANSING, MI – Gov. Rick Snyder has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff on Friday, May 11, within the state capitol complex in honor of State Superintendent Brian Whiston who died Monday, May 7. The Governor is especially encouraging schools across the state to lower flags to half-staff in honor of Superintendent Whiston’s distinguished career in education.

“Brian was a great partner who devoted much of his life to educating and improving the lives of Michigan youth,” Snyder said. “The work he did for this state was admirable, and he will be missed by many. I send my deepest condolences to his family and his colleagues at the Department of Education during this difficult time.”

Whiston began serving as the Michigan state superintendent of schools in 2015 after working as the Dearborn Public Schools superintendent and the Oakland Schools director of government and community services. In his free time, Whiston gave back to his community through various organizations and enjoyed spending time with loved ones.

A service in his honor will be held Friday, May 11, at 1 p.m. at St. Perpetua Catholic Church, located at 134 Airport Road in Waterford.

This flag order is in accordance with Executive Order 2013-10. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff. Flags should be returned to full staff on Saturday, May 12.

When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the U.S. flag should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position. The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.